Yaphank’s most important family, the Weeks, settled in Millville (now Yaphank) in 1828. Portraitist William Sydney Mount was commissioned to paint James Huggins Weeks and his wife, Susan Maria , in 1838. He purchased 9,000 acres of land from his brother-in-law William Sidney Smith and went on to make his fortune selling cordwood in New York City. They frequently entertained the William Sidney Smiths of the nearby Longwood Estate as well as his business associates from New York City at their country house, “The Lilacs.” 

Visit our permanent exhibit of the Weeks Family paintings, photographs and memorablia located in the Swezey-Avey House. Learn more about this truly remarkable Long Island family. Tours can be arranged by appointment — Or attend one of our monthly General Meetings, held on the third Thursday of the month, and get a tour by one of our board members. 

Call to schedule a visit: 631-924-4803. 

Henry P. Kovarik